The “Dear Leader”, as he was known, suffered a heart attack on board a train on Saturday December 17 after what has been described as "great mental and physical strain" during a "high intensity field inspection".

His son Kim Jong Un has been named "the great successor". While there was no immediate statement on official succession, there were clear indications Kim Jong Un would be in charge.

The dictator had a colourful life with many wacky moments including when he banned the World Cup from being broadcast in North Korea unless the national team won.

He also banned cigarettes across the whole country after being told he had to quit smoking in 2007, and Kim also reportedly spent £350,000 on cognac every year.